The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Any experience with under-dash AC?

I plan to put AC in my 68 gmc before next summer. The custom fit units are pretty pricey but the under-dash units are more affordable. The custom fit models look better but that's not worth the extra money to me; I'm mostly concerned about the performance. I would appreciate any reviews from people who have used the under-dash units, especially if you live in hot areas. If they can handle triple digit temps and be comfortable I would probably go that route. Any info will be appreciated.

Jeff

Doing research for A/C in my truck, most everyone will tell you buy from Vintage Air. The mark IV is the only under dash unit recommended.

Joe

I used to install under-dash units back in the early 1960's when my father's shop had a distributorship for Mark IV and later, Climatic Air add-on units. One of our customers claimed his under-dash unit would chill beer to the point it had ice crystals in it, while driving across the Arizona desert. However, he made his living as a salesman- - - -draw your own conclusions!

An under-dash unit should cool down a pickup cab to the point of being uncomfortable if it's installed and charged properly.
Jerry

Thanks for the info. Exactly what I was hoping to hear. My only experience with an under-dash unit was when I was a kid and Dad added it to our old chevy car. Back then we didn't have AC in the house so anything felt pretty good to us. Vintage air is the one I've been looking at so I'll proceed with my plans.

Of course those units used Freon 12, which the tree huggers managed to get banned by lying about its so-called environmental hazards. R-134 is not as efficient, and does a lousy job of cooling at idle and low compressor speed. Out on the road, it works pretty well.
Jerry